UN chief strongly condemns attacks on police station in Somalia

A Kenyan soldier with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is pictured through a bullet hole in the gate of the compound housing the former offices of the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR), in Kismayo, southern Somalia. UN Photo/Stuart Price

Deadly attacks against a police station north of the capital Mogadishu on Tuesday have been strongly condemned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

According to reports, members of the al-Shabaab Islamist extremist group blew up the gates and entered the police compound where they killed police officers.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson late on Tuesday, the Secretary-General notes that the attacks followed a number of similar attacks on the Somali people in recent weeks.

Secretary-General Ban says "these acts of terrorism against the Government and people of Somalia have caused tremendous suffering."

The statement says he pays tribute to the forces, especially the police, who courageously repelled the attack".

It says Mr. Ban "is determined to support the Somali government in preventing such attacks, and in keeping the country on the path to peace and security."

"He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the Federal Government of Somalia, its institutions and the Somali people."

Secretary-General Ban "expresses his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and his sympathies to those injured."